What Wood Finish Was Used in Victorian Homes?

The original finish on many Victorian-era cabinets rate as environmentally friendly.

The Victorian era lasted from 1837 to 1901, and cabinetmakers relied upon an evolving mix of wood-finishing treatments during that time. Most of these fell out of favor when varnish manufacturers began marketing premixed wood finishes, yet some have remained popular into the 21st century. In recent years, some 19th-century finishes have enjoyed a small revival in popularity because they are now seen as greener alternatives to mass-produced petrochemical varnishes and sealants.

Home-Brewed Finishes

From the 18th century to the middle Victorian years, furniture and cabinetmakers finished wood with a hardening oil, varnish or wax blend produced from their own unique formulas. The recipes varied greatly, but common recipes for a spirit varnish often included ingredients such as walnut oil, linseed oil, rosin, amber, copal, gum arabic, beeswax, turpentine and rectified spirits of wine. Many of those original finishes have survived on antique Victorian home furnishings to this day, but not without some surface crackling, yellowing or darkening.

Oil-Based Varnishes

Linseed oil varnishes became more widely available in the middle of the 19th century. These coatings penetrated into the surface of the wood to provide some added hardness, while forming a film over the furniture's surface to protect it from scratching, abrasion and indoor moisture. In addition to the linseed oil, a typical formula might have included amber, copal or sandarac to add hardness to the film, plus a turpentine or alcohol solvent to keep the material fluid during application. These varnishes imparted a clear finish with a slightly yellow or reddish-orange cast.

Shellac Finishes

Shellac is produced from secretions of the lac beetle. In the Victorian era, shellac was supplied as amber-colored flakes which cabinetmakers dissolved in alcohol prior to application. Once applied, a shellac finish formed a hard, thin coating that lightly yellowed the wood without obscuring its grain and visual texture. Because it was an expensive ingredient, some 19th-century users diluted shellac with less expensive ingredients such as rosin or beeswax. Modern premixed shellacs remain a commonly used furniture finish.

French Polishing

French polishing -- which became popular toward the end of the Victorian era -- utilized a diluted version of shellac in creating a hand-buffed, high-gloss finish that was unique for its time. The finish started with three thin, brushed-on coats of shellac that were then smoothed with an extra-fine sandpaper. The next coat was applied with a polishing cloth or pad and carefully rubbed onto the surface. The process was repeated until the finish appeared extremely smooth, clear and glossy.

About the Author

Mike Matthews is editor of Green Building Product News, a national publication that covers sustainable innovations in building and remodeling, and he has spoken at national conferences on green building. He has also served as founding editor of "Paint Dealer" magazine.